Six Abbotsford community groups are benefiting from a total of almost $200,000 in the latest round of gaming grants released by the provincial government.
The largest grant, $85,000, is going to the Hand in Hand Child Care Society, followed by Abbotsford Hospice Society ($49,000), the Psalm 23 Transition Society ($35,000), West Abbotsford Community School Society ($30,000), John Maclure Community School PAC ($530), and Prince Charles Elementary PAC ($420).
In response to the Community Gaming Grant Review conducted last July, the provincial government reinstated funding to adult arts, culture, and sport organizations, environmental groups, and animal welfare agencies.
It also increased financial support for organizations that have faced funding reductions in the past three years. This amounts to $15 million more in gaming grants than originally budgeted for 2011/12, according to MLA John van Dongen (Abbotsford South).
More than 6,000 community groups across B.C. have received these funds so far. The latest batch of grants amounts to more than $8 million among 248 recipients.